For those in the medical field, scrubs are generally the odds-on-favorite attire to wear to work on a regular basis. While scrubs are required for many, the kind or type worn is often an individual choice, a fact not found in any other segment of the uniform industry. Certainly, scrubs are used to project professionalism, stature, and identity, but they are also tools to reflect one's personality, and a means by which the wearer can express his or her inner style.

Scrubs today are becoming more and more fashionable, and come in an abundance of options. Sometimes scrubs look like a comfortable wardrobe, and not like scrubs at all.

With the Uniform Retailers' Association show approaching, UniformMarket News decided to take a look at what's hot – and what's expected to be hot – in the area of scrubs. We asked those exhibiting at the upcoming URA show to share with us their best sellers and those destined to become best sellers. Here's a sampling of what we discovered:

White Swan

A leader in high quality scrubs, White Swan has its share of best sellers, but according to the company, there are two stand outs this season:

White Swan's Pretty Paisley (14307-3697) comes in pastel shades of violet, aqua and a citrus green that play off a white paisley pattern in 100% cotton, assuring the wearer not only looks good, but is comfortable as well. This style also boasts princess seaming, a shaped banded neckline, and triple tucks on the center band.

Individuality takes center stage with White Swan's Embroidered Prints (5697-3416). Echoing retail fashion, this cotton rich fabric is embroidered in a complementary pattern over a printed pattern. The style comes in three patterns: a vibrant Rose Stitch with blue roses on a black background, highlighted with white embroidery; Sailing Stitch on a white background; and Bouquet Stitch on pink. The garment has ¾ sleeves that can be pushed up or down, depending on the tastes of the wearer.

To see these collections, just stop by booths 402/404 at the show.

Jockey™Scrubs

With its promise of comfort and quality behind it, the newcomer Jockey brand is already the talk of the industry.

Why? Many of the new offerings are available in a tri-blend fabric with multidirectional stretch, a feature with the comfort and good looks today's wearers are seeking. It's also wrinkle resistant, a plus for busy, on-the-go professionals, and includes a cling free drape.

These characteristics have catapulted Jockey's tri-blend fashion pant, style 2219, to number one this season. Offered in nine colors, the style has four pockets, a mid-waist comfort fit, 20" flare opening and great multi-needle stitch seaming on the legs and pockets for a fun, youthful look. It can be paired with a jersey knit that is ultra soft and supple to the touch.

Another tri-blend creating buzz this year is style 2216. This scrub features a soft tonal stitched top with banded jewel neckline and empire waist. The garment is available in nine eye-catching colors, including warm espresso.

While fashion and retail-desired designs play a pivotal role in the health apparel market, there is still strong demand for the classics, as is evidenced by the success of Scrubs style 2209. Available in tri-blend fabrication, the outfit is proof positive that consumers still desire the tailored, clean lined-approach that this outfit provides.

Finally, style 2218 combines tri-blend with rib knitting for a great fitting, comfortable scrub.  With princess seaming and rib knit accents at the waist and sleeves, this scrub is the one to watch, according to White Swan.

To get a first hand look, be sure to visit booths 301/400 at the URA show.

Dickies Medical Uniforms

Since its beginning, Dickies has stood for the quality, toughness, and pride that embody the spirit of the American worker, and its medical apparel collection is no exception.

While its popular print collection continuously evolves, the company's commitment to serve a wide range of medical professionals has never waivered.

Their innovative designs provide unparalleled comfort and value, and styles are regularly updated to reflect contemporary tastes albeit with professional sensibilities, as is evident by this season's best sellers.  

Younger health care workers can't get enough of style 13907, Sun Fields Trio. The design, printed on soft-brushed, 100% cotton, feels great to the touch and drapes well on the body. Colored in pink and brown, this fun, carefree print – and these are the words that immediately come to mind – combines a solid top with a jewel neckline inset. The garment also has two front patch pockets and side vents for ease of movement, and an adjustable back drawstring for added fit.

Like Sun Fields Trio, Buds of Joy, another hot item, is printed on a soft, brushed 100% cotton fabric that provides comfort and good looks. The cut-out neckline is both flattering and eye-catching, serving as a focal point.

Buds of Joy, style 19007, is a great print that coordinates with Navy, Cerulean Blue, Capri and Green Apple. Build-in features like an elastic back for fit and side vents to facilitate movement speak to the needs of a modern workplace – the garment even includes hidden side pockets to store essentials.

Mixing classic colors with contemporary styling is Floral Dreams, style 17188, a polyester/spandex blended garment inspired by read to wear designs and fabric offerings. Considered innovative for the medical uniform industry, the fabric moves with you, and is comfortable and soft but stays virtually wrinkle free during the work day.
 
The palette of pewter, black, white and petal pink has an understated appeal, while the top's black neck band trim, side pockets and generous sleeve length give the outfit a professional, in-charge appearance.  

See these and more at Dickies booths 108 and 110 while in Las Vegas.

Next: Part II – Landau, Barco, LA Rose and much more, in UMNM's salute to the URA show, appearing in a dedicated section on the homepage. This special segment will include interviews, news from the show floor, pictures, speaker profiles and the winners of URA's Retailer Champion Awards. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to be included in the coverage.